Today the Assembly and Senate have agreed to move forward on a package that would create a framework for the medical cannabis industry in California.
Assemblyman Wood said, “This package is the end product of countless hours meeting with stakeholders and extensive negotiations with the Governor’s office. I am thrilled that AB 243, which overcame resistance to its groundbreaking definition of cannabis as an agricultural product, and which focuses specifically on the needs of the north coast, will serve as the foundation of the cultivation language in this year’s cannabis package.”
Today Assemblyman Jim Wood (D-North Coast) presented SB 326 on the Assembly floor. The bill authored by Senator Jim Beall extends the funding for Medical Air Transportation through Jan. 1 2020 and mandate the state develop a reliable funding source beyond that.
Assemblyman Wood said, “Given the extreme access to healthcare issues we face across much of my district, in particular in Del Norte and Trinity Counties, these services are critical.”
Sacramento Today – The Senate Environmental Quality Committee voted to pass Assemblymember Jim Wood’s Marijuana Watershed Protection Act (AB 243) by a vote of 5-0.
Assemblyman Wood said, “The progress we have made is very encouraging and I am grateful for all the support we have gathered so far. We now have an opportunity to work out the final wrinkles over summer recess and I think we will have a very strong bill in the final weeks of the legislative session.”
Sacramento Today – Assemblymember Jim Wood presented the Marijuana Watershed Protection Act (AB 243) for the first time following recent amendments that added a funding source to deal with the illegal cultivation of marijuana. In order to help committee members, most of whom have never seen a real live marijuana plant, understand the size and value of medical marijuana farms, Assemblyman Wood brought a live marijuana plant to the committee hearing in the Capitol.
Assemblyman Wood said, “When you look at the amount of money cultivators are making on a single plant (roughly $1,200 - $2,600 per plant) and pair it with how much environmental destruction is taking place on the North Coast, ensuring the industry pays for environmental enforcement and cleanup should be a no brainer.”
AB 243 creates regulations that would ensure cultivation of medical marijuana is done sustainably. The bill also places a $50 fee on each legal plant. The revenue generated from this fee would go to environmental mitigation and restoration, as well as enhanced law enforcements required to assure legitimate cultivation efforts are encouraged and public safety is assured.
The bill unanimously passed Senate Governance and Finance Committee today by a vote of 5-0.
AB 243 will be heard next Senate Environmental Quality Committee on Wednesday next week.
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Elected in 2014, Assemblymember Jim Wood (D- Healdsburg) represents the 2nd Assembly District, which includes all of Del Norte, Trinity, Humboldt and Mendocino counties, plus northern and coastal Sonoma County, including the northern half of Santa Rosa.
Sacramento today – Assemblyman Wood’s landmark Medical Marijuana Bill, The Marijuana Watershed Protection Act (AB 243), was passed by the Assembly today and now moves on to the State Senate. The passage of AB 243 marks the first medical marijuana bill this year that made it to the next house – State Senate.
Assemblyman Wood said, “The cultivation and sale of medical cannabis in my district isn’t just the elephant in the room, it’s the whole house. My district is also one of the most environmentally conscious regions in the state and we must continue fighting to protect it. That’s what AB 243 is all about, ensuring cannabis cultivation and cultivators are respecting the environment and protecting our natural resources.”
